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Children Quote by Ann Shulgin

“On New Year's Eve, when the children had gone up the hill to be with their father, I went to a Mensa party in San Francisco, but returned home relatively early, wanting to face the first few hours of the new year away from the noise and lurching of people who had drunk too much. I stood outside on…” quote by Ann Shulgin
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““On New Year's Eve, when the children had gone up the hill to be with their father, I went to a Mensa party in San Francisco, but returned home relatively early, wanting to face the first few hours of the new year away from the noise and lurching of people who had drunk too much. I stood outside on the deck, in darkness, looking up at the star-frosted sky, letting myself feel without censoring the ache and hope that belonged to that night, and I sent out prayer for connection with someone who would be --finally -- the person I'd needed to be with all my life, someone who would have gone through his own changes and wars of the spirit and emerged a true adult. A grown-up man. Who wouldn't mind my being a grandmother, for Pete's sake. A man somewhat like Shura Borodin -- or what Shura seemed to be. I cried a bit because the wanting was so very intense and the clear night sky so very indifferent, and everything I was in body and soul might yet grow old without a lover and friend who could be to me what I was capable of being to him. I toasted myself, hope, the new year and the magnificent cold stars with a bit of wine, then went to bed.””

Ann Shulgin

About This Quote

Source Personal essay: Reflections on New Year's Eve, 2015

The author longs for deep connection, confronting loneliness under a indifferent night sky, and finds hope in ritual.

In simple terms: Seeking love and meaning amid solitude.

Key Takeaway

Embrace vulnerability for connection.

Themes

loneliness hope spiritual yearning

Mood

introspective melancholic

Type

essay poetic

When to use this quote

  • new year celebrations
  • solo travel
  • personal meditation
  • friendship seeking

Key Concepts

existentialism ritual self‑reflection

Questions to Reflect On

  • What rituals help you feel connected?
  • How do you balance hope with reality?
A Different Perspective

Hope can feel fragile against cosmic indifference.

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